Alok Raj: The IPS Officer Who Took on the Entire State Government for Justice and Won

Alok Raj, the former DGP of Bihar and a well-known IPS officer, has always been recognized for his unwavering commitment to duty and his ability to stand firm against powerful political forces. His courage and resolve are exemplified by an incident from 2008, during the infamous Nandigram conflict, where he fought for the rule of law in the face of significant opposition from both the ruling government and local police.

Alok Raj’s Stand in Nandigram: A Bold Act of Integrity

In 2008, Alok Raj was serving as the DIG of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and was stationed in Nandigram, West Bengal, during the Panchayat elections. This was a volatile region, where, for over a year, protests against land acquisition had been intensifying. The region was under the rule of the Left Front government, led by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The situation in Nandigram was particularly tense due to allegations that the CPI(M) cadres were using violence to intimidate their opposition and win the elections. At the same time, Mamata Banerjee, an MP at the time, was building her political base through the Nandigram and Singur movements.

Allegations of Police Bias and Violent Clashes

On May 11, 2008, the first phase of Panchayat elections took place across five districts of West Bengal. There were serious concerns that the local police were attempting to influence the vote in favor of the ruling party. In response, Alok Raj, acting in his capacity as the CRPF DIG, ensured that the elections were conducted in a fair and peaceful manner, strictly adhering to the Election Commission’s directives.

This led to clashes between the local police and CRPF personnel, as the CRPF took a firm stance to uphold the law. During these events, the West Bengal government and police came under increasing pressure from the opposition, especially from Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, who accused the ruling CPI(M) government of electoral malpractice.

A Conspiracy to Defame Alok Raj

In an attempt to discredit him, the local police, under the direction of the Nandigram police station in charge, Devashish Chakraborty, falsely accused the CRPF of misconduct. The allegations were serious—claiming that CRPF personnel had assaulted women during the election process. The police officer even accused Alok Raj of being directly responsible for these actions.

Despite these baseless accusations, Alok Raj remained unshaken. He categorically denied the charges, stating, “I am not afraid of false accusations. Let an independent investigation take place. I will continue to perform my duties honestly.”

Alok Raj’s Refusal to Yield

The pressure intensified when, the day before the elections, the then CPI(M) MP Lakshman Seth tried to pressure Alok Raj into collaborating with the local police and magistrates at the polling stations. Alok Raj, who had no faith in the local police’s neutrality, refused to comply with these instructions, further enraging the political establishment.

Exoneration and Victory for Integrity

Following the accusations, the CRPF conducted an internal investigation into the matter. The findings cleared Alok Raj of all charges, confirming that the allegations were false and without merit. The CRPF Director General stated, “The investigation is clear. Alok Raj was only performing his duty, and the accusations against him are baseless.”

Furthermore, the CRPF lodged a formal complaint with the central government, accusing the West Bengal state government of deliberately harassing their officers while they were performing their duties during the volatile Nandigram elections.

A Testament to Unwavering Integrity

Despite the intense pressure, false accusations, and the political establishment’s attempt to undermine him, Alok Raj stood firm. His dedication to the rule of law and his refusal to bow to political influence made him a symbol of integrity and courage. In the end, his commitment to justice prevailed, earning him a reputation as an officer who would not be intimidated or silenced.